American Academy for Girls, Dubai

The academic foundation at AAG is the US curriculum, aligned to New York State curriculum standards and structured to deliver a US High School Diploma at Grade 12. The framework is built around Common Core standards in English and mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in science, and a broad humanities programme that integrates American history, Middle Eastern studies, and AP World History. The curriculum is accredited by NEASC - the New England Association of Schools and Colleges - which confirms that the diploma issued to Grade 12 students is recognised by universities in the United States and internationally, a critical assurance for families with US university aspirations. In the high school, the availability of Advanced Placement (AP) courses - approved by the College Board and eligible for college credit - is the academic headline. AP Biology is among the confirmed AP offerings, alongside AP World History, giving academically ambitious students the opportunity to pursue university-level coursework before graduation. The breadth of elective subjects is notable for a school of this size: Spanish, pottery, coding, game design, pre-calculus, statistics, health and nutrition, and media studies sit alongside the core curriculum, allowing students to personalise their academic journey in a way that more rigidly structured curricula do not permit. According to the 2023-2024 DSIB inspection, student attainment is Good across all phases and all core subjects - English, mathematics, science, Arabic, and Islamic education. Science attainment in the KG phase reaches Very Good, and mathematics progress is rated Very Good in KG, Elementary, and High. The most significant academic concern flagged by inspectors is the middle school phase, where progress in several subjects remains at Good rather than Very Good, and where reading comprehension and writing consolidation require more consistent lesson time. Elementary and KG phases are clear strengths, with Very Good learning skills and Very Good teaching and assessment ratings. External assessments include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for younger students, Pre-SAT for Grade 11, and SAT and AP exams for Grade 12. Benchmark assessment data shows students making gains of two levels or more in some year groups across English, mathematics, and science - a meaningful indicator of genuine academic progress rather than static performance. The University and Guidance Counsellor works with students from Grades 5 to 12, supporting course planning, university application preparation, and career exploration. AAG expects all students to progress to tertiary education, and the counselling structure is built around that expectation. Specific university destinations are not published on the school website, but the guidance infrastructure is evidently robust. For students of determination, AAG operates an inclusive admissions policy and an SEN team of three specialist teachers supported by five additional staff. Approximately 101 students - around 18% of the school roll - are registered as students of determination, a significantly above-average proportion that reflects the school's genuine commitment to inclusion. Individual Education Programmes (IEPs) are developed for identified students. There is no additional cost for SEN provision unless an individual learning support assistant (ILSA) is required, in which case the cost is borne by parents. The KHDA Rahhal programme provides additional flexibility for senior students with additional learning needs. EAL provision supports students for whom English is an additional language, with the school's approach to literacy for new students rated as effective by DSIB inspectors, though consistency remains an area for development.